Nampa releases proposed FY2026 budget, flags levy limits and wastewater debt payments

Chief Financial Officer Doug Racine presented the City of Nampa’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a public council presentation, outlining plans to hold operational spending flat, absorb rising health‑care and energy costs, and continue debt service for the recently completed wastewater treatment plant.

Racine said the administration asked departments to hold operational budgets to “0% cost” after achieving about a 4.5% reduction last year, while identifying unavoidable increases such as insurance, energy and maintenance tied to the new treatment plant. “The budget in the city is our legal authority to spend,” Racine said, adding that staff want to tighten capital budget accuracy and shorten the six‑month budget process.

The proposal emphasizes three priorities identified in the city’s community survey: public safety, transportation and improving movement through Nampa. Racine said the police budget is the single largest line in general government, and cited state legislative changes and rising property valuations as drivers shaping levy calculations and revenue availability.

Why it matters: the budget determines how the city…